Sociology at Mount Vernon Nazarene University

A $27,500 debt load for first-year earnings around $36,500 puts this program in workable territory, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.75—though these figures come from comparable sociology programs in Ohio rather than Mount Vernon's own graduate outcomes. The estimated earnings align with the state median for the field, suggesting graduates would likely enter the workforce near typical salary levels for Ohio sociology majors. However, the debt estimate runs about $2,500 higher than the state median, which matters when you're starting with relatively modest earnings.

Sociology programs across Ohio show considerable range at the top end—Miami University and University of Cincinnati graduates earn in the low $40,000s—but Mount Vernon's estimated outcomes cluster with the state average rather than lagging behind it. The field itself tends toward moderate starting salaries nationally, so parents should understand that $36,500 represents fairly standard entry-level compensation for this major, not a disappointing result.

The workable debt ratio suggests monthly loan payments that won't overwhelm an early-career budget, but there's limited margin for error. If your student is drawn to sociology, confirm that Mount Vernon provides strong career advising and internship connections that help graduates land jobs quickly after graduation—those early career steps matter enormously in a field where graduate school or targeted work experience often determines longer-term earning potential.